Nowadays, we all encounter an increasing number of patients who face the oral and systemic health challenges related to salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia. This presentation helps us to appreciate anew how essential saliva is for our health, and provides an overview of the etiologies, signs and symptoms of salivary gland hypofunction. The diagnostic techniques for pathologies related to xerostomia are also discussed. Recommendations for in –office interventions, and self-care protocols to minimize damage to the oral hard and soft tissues, and relieve xerostomia symptoms are outlined, as well as valuable techniques to monitor the severity of a dry mouth, and evaluate the efficacy of our interventions over time.

Learning Objectives:
• Discuss the aetiologies of xerostomia
• Review an overview of diagnostic techniques for xerostomia and related pathologies
• Describe the complications of xerostomia
• Discuss current approaches to managing the complications of a dry mouth   ( disclaimer, bio and commercial disclosure )